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  • Protocol Review
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Response to Protocol Review Scenario: One extra step

Lab Animal volume 42, pages 280–281 (2013)Cite this article

The Animal Welfare Act regulations (AWARs)1 state, “It shall be the responsibility of the research facility to ensure that all scientists, research technicians, animal technicians, and other personnel involved in animal care, treatment and use are qualified to perform their duties.” In addition, “Training and instruction shall be made available and the qualifications of personnel reviewed, with sufficient frequency to fulfill the research facility's responsibilities under this section and 2.31” and “the IACUC must find the best means to evaluate the research facility's programs and facilities.”

There are two ways of looking at this scenario. On one hand, the IACUC had documentation of a formal written policy that the responsibility for training and evaluation of technicians was delegated to the supervisor of the veterinary technician staff. Therefore, the USDA inspector was not justified in citing the school for noncompliance with §2.32.a and §2.32.b of the AWARs, and Great Eastern should lodge an appeal. To prevent confusion regarding the IACUC's role to ensure adequate training, the IACUC protocol should include a statement indicating that all personnel and animal resources groups would be trained by the department of animal resources.

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References

  1. Animal Welfare Act and Regulations. 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A.

  2. Institute of Laboratory Animal Research. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals 8th edn. (National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2011).

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  1. Brinsfield is Certified Professional IACUC Administrator, Senior Research Protocol Analyst/Compliance Specialist and Post-Approval Monitor at Emory University, Atlanta, GA.,

    Casey Brinsfield

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  1. Casey Brinsfield
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Brinsfield, C. Response to Protocol Review Scenario: One extra step. Lab Anim 42, 280–281 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban.348

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